Bicycles & How They Work
Today’s bicycles are almost identical to bicycles developed in the late 19th century when light bulbs and telephones were invented.
While variations exist, the basic look and structure of a bicycle has remained largely unchanged since the beginning of the 20th century:
A ‘diamond’ frame, comprised of tubes forming two triangle shapes;
Two wheels with rubber-covered tires filled with pressurized air; and
A drivetrain with a chain fitted around two sprockets, moved forward by pedal rotation.
Bicycle Types
Balance bikes are bicycles without pedals, used to introduce children to cycling. Variations of balance bikes include kick bikes, which use a small platform instead of a saddle, like a scooter.
BMX bikes have shorter frames than many bikes, and are typically used off-road for recreation, in dirt course competitive races, and for stunt-riding.
Cargo bikes can be used to haul groceries or other small loads, carry children, and perform tasks sometimes handled by motor vehicles. Variations include the bakfiets, longtail, and box trike models; some cargo bikes come with electric motors to help with heavier loads or longer distances.
Commuter bikes have a more upright riding position, multiple gears, and racks for carrying bags or packs. They are designed for frequent rides in a variety of road conditions.
Electric bikes (e-bikes) are like regular bikes, with the addition of battery-powered drivetrains that typically make them more expensive than many other types. E-bikes help riders go uphill, travel longer distances faster, and tote heavier loads with less effort than bikes powered only by human effort.
Fixies are usually lightweight road bikes with a single, fixed gear and minimal accessories so they can be used for quick, local trips, often by bicycle couriers. Fixed gear bikes are also used in track racing.
Folding bikes have short, light frames, and smaller wheels than most bikes; hinges allow them to be folded up and carried like luggage. Folding bikes are popular for commuting and touring.
Mountain bikes have short frames, shock absorbers (suspension), and thick, knobby tires, which provide traction and maneuverability for rougher terrain such as on mountain trails and courses. Hardtail mountain bikes have front suspension only, while full suspension bikes have front and rear suspension.
Road bikes generally have lightweight frames and low, curved handlebars (‘drop bars’). Thin, smooth tires reduce friction for a faster and more efficient ride. Touring bikes are heavy duty road bikes built to carry loads comfortably. Cyclocross and gravel bikes are road bikes intended for use on rougher roads and courses.
City bikes and cruisers provide a comfortable and upright riding position so they’re easy to mount and ride recreationally. Some city bikes have more open (or ‘step-through’) frames, wide tires, and baskets or racks, and are commonly used in public bike share systems.
Hybrid bikes combine the construction and features of different bike types, providing versatility to serve a variety of cycling styles or needs.
Micro-mobility Devices
New classes of small, often battery-powered 1- and 2-wheeled mobility devices are now widely available, including electric scooters, hoverboards, and unicycles.
Check with your local government to see where these devices are allowed to be operated.
Size and Fit
Before buying or renting a bicycle, make sure it’s the right type and size so it’s easy to control and comfortable to ride. Several parts of a bike can be adjusted to fit you, such as the stem, seat post, and saddle. Staff at your local bike shop can usually help.
Maintaining Your Bike
Keep your bike in good working order—a well-maintained bike will run efficiently, safely, and smoothly for a long time. Tires should be properly inflated, moving parts clean and lubricated, and brakes and drivetrain adjusted.
Before your first ride, have your bike professionally serviced to ensure it's roadworthy. Bring a new bike back to the shop after your first few rides to ensure brakes and other moving parts are still working well.
Save time and money by learning how to maintain (and even fix) your bike yourself. Bike shops and cycling clubs/groups sometimes provide maintenance workshops.
Occasional/infrequent riders: Service your bike at least once a year. If you’re using your local bike shop, you may need to book a few days to a few weeks in advance.
Frequent riders: Service your bike seasonally. You may also need minor mechanical adjustments or replacement of worn parts once or twice each year.
Parts of a Bike
Know the parts of a bike so you can discuss issues with a mechanic, and eventually learn how to maintain (and even repair) your own bike. Most parts come in a range of sizes, colours, and price ranges.
Handlebars & Grips: Along with the stem and seatpost, handlebars determine a person’s position on a bike. Handlebars come in different configurations, with names like bullhorn, drop, flat, porteur, riser, and upright. Grips provide the hands a firm and comfortable gripping surface, and are made of cork, leather, rubber, or synthetic materials. Some handlebars accommodate several hand positions, and may use bar tape instead of grips.
Brakes: Most modern brakes are operated by hand, using levers mounted on the handlebar within easy reach. The two main types of hand-operated brake systems are rim brakes and disc brakes. Coaster brakes are less effective than hand brakes, as they’re applied by pedalling backwards and act only on the rear wheel.
Drivetrain: The collection of parts that propel a bicycle forward, typically consisting of the pedals, cranks, chainrings, chain, cogs (or ‘cassette’), and derailleurs. On most drivetrains, these parts are fully exposed; some drivetrains include an internal-gear hub, which provides greater protection for gears and an easier shifting experience.
Gear shifters: Usually mounted on the handlebars, gear shifters allow you to vary the distance traveled with each pedal stroke, which in turn influences your cycling speed and effort. There are four main types of gear shifters: grip, trigger, thumb, and integrated brake/gear shifters (used on road bikes).
Lights—see Chapter 318, Part 3, S.183 (6) of the BC Motor Vehicle Act.
Lights make bikes more visible and can also light your way in the dark.
Lights & Reflectors: By law bicycles must have front and rear lights, plus a rear reflector, for cycling from dusk to dawn. Front lights are white and are mounted on the handlebar or stem. Rear lights and reflectors must be red and sometimes are combined in one unit; most rear lights and reflectors are mounted on the seat post, seat stay, or end of a rear rack. Lights can be powered by battery or dynamo, or recharged via USB cable.
Chain: Your chain should always be lightly lubricated and free of excessive debris and built-up grease, or ‘gunk’. Chains can come off their sprockets during a ride, though they’re usually easy to put back on. Chains eventually wear and need replacement, but will last longer when kept clean—remove chain grease with warm, soapy water; in a pinch you can use napkins, leaves, and even grass to wipe gunk off your hands.
Pedals: Also called flats, most standard pedals can be used with any footwear. Clipless pedals require compatible shoes and cleats and are typically used to increase efficiency and speed.
Saddle: Also called the seat, saddles go on seatposts, which are fixed in the bike frame with a binder bolt or a quick release mechanism for easy adjustment. Saddles come in many varieties for various riding styles, including models specifically designed for women.
Tires & Tubes: Choose your tires based on your wheel size, wheel clearance from the fork and the frame, where you cycle, and your typical riding conditions—they come in many different styles and sizes, including tread type, diameters and thicknesses. While some wheels come with the option of tubeless tires, most tires cover inner tubes, which are inflated with pressurized air using one of two common valve types: Presta (thin), and Schrader (thick). Tires should always be inflated to their recommended pressure, usually shown on the tire’s sidewall.
Fenders: Easily added to most bikes, fenders keep water spray, dirt and gravel off of you and your bike (and also other people riding near you). Fenders can extend the life of your drivetrain by keeping it cleaner and drier.
Accessories, Equipment & Gear
Most items come in a range of shapes, sizes, colours, and price ranges.
Basket: An affordable, convenient solution for carrying things while you ride—can be mounted on the front of your bike or on a rear rack
Bell: Used as a courtesy or warning, to alert others; in some jurisdictions, a bell is required by law—check with your local municipality for information.
Bottle Cage: Some people mount cages to hold water bottles; they can usually be attached to bike frames using removable bike bolts.
‘Bicycle safety helmets’—see Chapter 318, Part 3, S.184 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act.
Helmet: By law, a helmet must be worn by all bicycle operators riding on public roads in B.C., except for those exempt for medical or religious reasons. Helmets must meet recognized safety standards: CSA, CPSC, EN, ASTM, or Snell, and must be replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendation, or after a crash where the helmet is struck.
Lubricant: Light, waterproof lubricant, or ‘lube’, protects and extends the life of a bike chain. Lube also eliminates squeaks that indicate damaging metal-on-metal friction. Lube is easy to apply; just a few drops evenly distributed on a clean chain is all that’s needed to keep a bike running smoothly. Almost any machine oil can be used as chain lube—grease is not recommended.
Mirror: Used to help you see other road/trail users and conditions behind you without turning your head, mirrors can be attached to helmets, handlebars, and even eyeglass frames. Mirrors should not be used as a substitute for a shoulder check—see Cycling Skills & Safe Practices.
Panniers: Bags that attach to rear or front bike racks for carrying belongings while you cycle. Variations include frame bags, seat bags, and handlebar bags that can hang on or be strapped directly to your bike.
Rack: Often made from lightweight metal, rear or front-mounted racks are attached to bikes for carrying loads, especially using bike panniers or baskets.
Patch kit: A small bag or pouch containing materials needed to fix a flat tire, including tire levers, tube patches, and glue.
Pump or Inflator: Portable bicycle pumps and CO2 inflators are used to repair a flat tire or top up a soft tire. Some are small enough to fit inside patch kits or small packs that attach to your bike frame or under the saddle.
Toolkit or multitool: Used to adjust components and tighten loose bolts.
Carrying Children
In addition to cargo bikes, children can be carried on most bikes with the following equipment and a few modifications:
Carriers and seats: Often mounted directly in front or behind the operator’s body for carrying one child, child carriers and seats are directly attached to the bicycle frame.
Tow bike: A child’s bike, typically with one rear wheel and metal arm instead of a front wheel, which clamps to the seatpost of another bicycle and is towed.
Side carriers and trailers: Wheeled frames designed specifically to carry children, with hitch systems that attach to the rear or side of a bicycle.
Rear carrier
Side carrier